Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence is a growing issue affecting youth in every community across the nation.

Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner each year.

According to national studies, one in three teens in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, and/or verbal abuse from a dating partner. One in ten high school students has been physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. One-quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, almost triple the national average.

Violent relationships put victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors, and further violence in future relationships. When these teens become sexually active, they are six times more likely to become pregnant or contract an STD. Almost 50% of young people who have been victims of sexual and physical violence will attempt suicide.